Staff members at The Standard received an unforgettable reward after the restaurant’s owners treated their entire team to a three-day cruise to the Bahamas.
Chef Jeff Dinnebeil and co-owner Megan Lingsweiler organised the trip to show appreciation to the cooks, servers, and hosts they describe as the “lifeblood” of their business.
The idea came after the couple enjoyed a cruise with their children last year and decided their staff deserved the same experience. The trip included not only current employees but also a few loyal customers and former team members.
The group boarded a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, which made stops at the Bahamian islands of Nassau and Bimini.
Andrew Jackson, one of the restaurant’s cooks, said the experience was especially meaningful as he had never flown on a plane or travelled on the ocean before.
“Everybody went on there as employees, and when we left and went back home, everybody was like family,” he said.
Server Allison Latta echoed the sentiment, describing the cruise as one of the best holidays she had experienced.
“I had been on cruises before, but this alone was probably my top vacation,” she said. “It was such a unique experience getting to see 60 of your co-workers around the boat.”
The restaurant, known for its upscale American menu with a focus on surf and turf, closed during the trip to ensure that every team member could attend.
Along with island excursions, the cruise included karaoke nights, scavenger hunts, catered dinners, and even a basketball competition.
In addition to the holiday getaway, staff members also received Christmas bonuses — another gesture of appreciation from the owners, who credit the restaurant’s success to the dedication of their team.